SILVERTON ALPINE MARATHONS 50K | Mountain Duo Challenge

The Silverton Alpine Marathons distance races are put on by Aravaipa Racing in Silverton, Colorado, a town best known in trail and ultra running circles as the home of the Hardrock 100, one of the most iconic mountain ultras in the world. The Aravaipa races take place the weekend prior to the Hardrock 100. Runners are invited to attempt the Saturday Sunday double by signing up both for one of the Saturday races as well as for the Kendall Mountain Run 12 Miler that took place on Sunday.
I had signed up for events on both days, the Silverton Alpine Marathons 50K and the Kendall Mountain Run. The 50K featured two mountain pass crossings, California Pass and Hurricane Pass, both just below 13,000 feet altitude for a total of more than 5000 feet of elevation gain and equal elevation loss.
My goal was to finish both races and to enjoy the journey through the San Juan mountains.